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Can Pulling Carbon from Thin Air Slow Climate Change?

Summary

As global emissions continue to rise, direct air capture (DAC) technology is gaining momentum as a potential solution to slow climate change. Pioneered by companies like Heirloom Carbon and Climeworks, DAC involves machines that extract carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere, with the goal of storing it underground or using it in industrial processes. The Biden administration and tech firms are heavily investing in DAC, aiming to scale it up to remove billions of tons of CO2 by 2050. However, challenges remain, including high costs, energy demands, and concerns about its effectiveness and potential to prolong fossil fuel use.

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